PNVF head defends FIVB hosting after fan outrage

Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tats Suzara replied to criticism behind the Philippines’ hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships, assuring that the tournament is integral to the country’s tourism and volleyball scene.

Criticism from fans started to cloud the event after initial ticket prices were more expensive than originally planned, leading to a low turnout for the games, primarily for the Alas Pilipinas Men’s opening game against Tunisia last Friday.

Ticket prices have since gone down by 30% and fan turnout has been much better than the first couple of days at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Suzara dismissed the critics, saying that the tournament was hosted for the country’s benefit and not for individual gains.

“We can’t make everybody happy,” Suzara said. “We are bringing this world championship for the Filipino fans. We are bringing tourism here, and we’re bringing the Philippines on the world map for volleyball.”

Suzara continued by accusing some national publications of biased reporting that put the country’s hosting of the international event in a bad light.

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SUPPORTING THE ACES 🇵🇭🏐

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan joins PNVF President Tats Suzara in supporting the #AlasPilipinas Men in their crucial Pool A clash against No. 16 Iran in the #MWCH2025 this Thursday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena! | 📸 RM Chua/One Sports#Philippines2025 pic.twitter.com/UYYMA02VKJ

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 18, 2025

“We have to think positive kasi sometimes, may iba tayong reporter na ang gustong tingnan one side lang, gusto lang maka-nega,” he said. “Pare-pareho naman tayong Pilipino, ano ba gusto natin laging negative? Dapat positive, ‘di ba? Hindi puwede yung magpakita, sa dami-dami naman ng ipi-picture, one side, bakit ayaw mong kumanan o kumaliwa? Bakit ‘yun pa?”

“Who benefits from getting negative? Sila rin, hindi ako. I just ignore it, this is for the Filipino fans, we’re doing this for everybody,” added Suzara.

The PNVF chief also claimed that some international players have praised the tournament, saying that it was the best iteration of the event in history.

“If you see the posting of the players on social media, [they’re saying] it’s the best world championship ever,” he said. “There’s a lot sa social media ng players, even with the USA last night they’re so friendly so let’s just be positive.

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